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Chicken Thighs with Lemon and Thyme

Crispy, juicy, and zesty—these air fryer chicken thighs with lemon and thyme are a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner everyone will love.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Keyword: air fryer recipe, chicken dinner recipe, dinner recipe, easy chicken dinner, easy dinner recipe, easy lunch recipe, quick chicken recipes, quick lunch recipe
Servings: 4

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Mixing bowl
  • tongs
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Microplane or grater

Ingredients

  • 4 chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp dried
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • In a bowl, combine lemon juice, zest, thyme, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  • Add chicken thighs and toss well to coat. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the fridge).
  • Preheat air fryer to 375°F if needed.
  • Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the basket. Cook for 12 minutes.
  • Flip and cook another 8–10 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F and skin is golden.
  • Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Notes

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 4–5 minutes or in the microwave until warm.
Top Tips: Marinate the chicken longer for extra flavor. Don’t skip the lemon zest as it adds brightness. Start cooking skin-side down for crispy results. Always check for doneness with a thermometer.